(Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
It’s mid-June, and the Baltimore Orioles have the second-best record in baseball.
We knew that, given their 83-79 performance last year and the firepower on their farm, they would be very much improved in 2023 and beyond.
However, not even the most optimistic Orioles fan had them with the second-best record in MLB at this point, with two-and-a-half months of the season in the books.
Still, a large portion of fans know that they could be leading their division if they played anywhere else.
However, they are in the AL East.
The Baltimore Orioles would be in 1st place in all 5 other MLB divisions.
But, they’re in AL East, so they’re 5 games behind the Rays… pic.twitter.com/U9MyCWxdux
— 𝙆𝙣𝘽 (@kazknowsball) June 16, 2023
Their 43-25 record would be good enough to lead the three National League divisions and the AL Central and West.
However, the only squad with a better win-loss record than the birds are the Tampa Bay Rays, at 50-22.
That means Baltimore is five games out of first place.
Still, the team shouldn’t feel ashamed, sad or angry: fans should feel pride after seeing how much better they have become.
They were 52-110 in 2021, just two years ago!
Now, they are projected to be in the postseason for the first time since 2016, and they have graduated lots of exciting prospects and players in the last two years.
The best part is that there are numerous O’s prospects still in the minors who could have an impact in the 2023 stretch run: Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser are clearly ready, Heston Kjerstad is getting there, and DL Hall could be a rotation contributor soon.
John Means is also due back from a long-term injury in the second half, and there is always the chance they trade for an ace.
Things are definitely looking up in Baltimore.
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